Definition

Noun: 1. A bird of prey: The white-tailed kite is a specific species of kite (a type of hawk) native to the Americas. It is characterized by its distinctive grey and white plumage and its habitat in warm, tropical, and subtropical regions.

Usage

• The term "white-tailed kite" is used as a singular, countable noun to refer to the bird species .
• It is commonly used in ornithology, birdwatching, and nature writing.

Examples

• We were lucky to spot a white-tailed kite hovering over the field.
• The white-tailed kite is known for its graceful flight and ability to hover in place while hunting.
• Conservation efforts have helped the population of the white-tailed kite recover in some areas.

Advanced Usage

• The species name, , is used in scientific and formal contexts.
• The behavior of hovering in search of rodents is a key identifying feature of the white-tailed kite.

Variants and Related Words

• Kite (noun): A broader term for various birds of prey in the family Accipitridae, known for their long wings and forked tails. The white-tailed kite is one species within this group.
• Elanus (noun): The genus to which the white-tailed kite belongs. This genus includes other similar "black-winged" kites.

Synonyms

• (Scientific name)

Different Meanings

• The term "white-tailed kite" refers exclusively to this specific bird species. It does not have other common metaphorical or idiomatic meanings.

Noun

1. grey-and-white American kite of warm and tropical regions